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Since coming to the 49ers in 2017, Kyle Shanahan has seen little success on the field. Because of that, Shanahan and co. are entering a pivotal year three. Entering the 2018 season, there was a substantial amount of hope surrounding the franchise, but a week three ACL tear to starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, diminished that feeling quickly.
Even coming off an ACL tear, there is still a feeling around the quarterback that he could steer the organization back in the right direction. Chris Simms of NBC Sports stopped by the Murph & Mac show in Lake Tahoe Thursday morning to discuss some of his thoughts regarding Garoppolo and the upcoming 49ers season, saying Garoppolo’s ceiling could be MVP.
“I think Garoppolo, Garoppolo would be, if you have extra change around, that would be like my if you have a little extra money throw that down for MVP. I think he could be that dark horse guy.” Simms said. “It goes to a QB every year, right? Usually to a team that is successful. If they turn it around and have this year where they go to 10-6 and he is up there as far as one of the top-rated quarterbacks in football, I think he could be in that conversation.”
For that to take place in San Francisco, Garoppolo would have to return to his 2017 form when he led a struggling 49ers team (1-9 when he joined) on a five-game winning streak following the mid-season trade with the Patriots that sent the quarterback to the West Coast. With all the additions John Lynch made through free agency and the draft, Simms sees the 49ers as a real threat to surprise some people.
“I really think they are one of those teams, I would just put a little asterisk next to and say like ‘could be a wild card team, could be really dangerous,’” Simms said. “I think they made all the proper moves in free agency.”
Simms was especially complimentary of Shanahan.
“I mean, the offensive line is solidified. The defensive line and the whole defense last year made great improvements. That defensive line is going to be special with Bosa. Kwon Alexander at middle linebacker.” Simms said. “And then I just don’t know if there is a better coach in football at really cracking the code on the offensive side of the ball. This is where Kyle is genius to me, it’s a little like New England…He is going to test the rules of your defense.”
Listen to the full interview below. To hear Simms on Garoppolo and the 49ers, listen from 1:15 mark.